TechNet Flash - Volume 11, Issue 22: October 7, 2009
Note from the Editor
Past experience tells you the job of getting your applications ready for an operating system migration is not for the faint of heart. But taking the right steps, in the right order, and making the right choices can save time and stress. Check out the brand-new Springboard Series article Five Steps to Windows 7 Application Readiness to see how the OS migration chore is simplified with Windows 7.
And for more on making the most of the Windows 7 once it is installed, TechNet Magazine just published 77 Windows 7 Tips to help you get more done, faster. While you are over at TechNet Magazine, the October issue is chock-full of new content addressing Windows 7 security. To learn how the new features make life easier and more secure for both admins and users, read Steve Riley's Groovy Security in Windows 7. Then explore the new and updated Group Policy features in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Jeremy Moskowitz's What's New in Group Policy for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. You will find plenty of goodies, from new Windows PowerShell functionality to updated power options, task scheduling, and software restriction policies.
Speaking of planning, we've also released updated Virtualization Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) Guides. The IPD guides for Windows Server Virtualization and for System Center Virtual Machine Manager are now updated to reflect the features and functionalities of Windows Server 2008 R2 and System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2. Download these updated guides to shorten planning time and deploy Hyper-V and SCVMM right the first time.
Thanks for reading,
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash
Subscribe to the TechNet FlashFeed blog for news updates as they happen, often several times a day. Or, to get the TechNet Flash Feed, plus news of new webcasts, videos and new TechNet Magazine content, all in one place, get the TechNet Widget for your desktop.
Your Featured Content
Ensure that the content most relevant to you is presented in this section.
Download Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide for Virtualization
The Solution Accelerators team has announced the availability of the Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide for Virtualization, updated for Windows Server 2008 R2. This can help start your planning and deployment process for virtualization using the Microsoft portfolio.
Download the MAP Toolkit for IBM Virtualized Servers
The Solution Accelerators team has just released a version of its Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) toolkit for IBM server virtualization hardware, including the IBM System x and BladeCenter, to help customers deploy Hyper-V virtualization more quickly in those environments.
Now On Demand: Windows 7 Virtual Roundtable - Application Compatibility and Virtualization
On September 24, Mark Russinovich and a panel of industry experts covered the latest desktop virtualization technologies from Microsoft, including App-V, MED-V and Windows XP Mode for Windows 7. Then they shared tips and tricks and demonstrated free tools to analyze and fix applications.
Download Data Protection Manager 2010 Beta
A key enhancement in DPM 2010 Beta is that it protects virtual machines deployed on Windows Server 2008 R2 using Cluster Shared Volumes clusters, in addition to standalone Hyper-V servers and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V clusters. Plus, the DPM 2010 laptop feature is completely rebuilt and offers an optimized experience for DPM Admin as well as the laptop user.
Download Web Platform Installer 2.0
The Microsoft Web Platform Installer 2.0 RTW provides developers with a simplified, "one click" installation of technologies in the Web stack – including IIS Extensions, amplifying ease of use and reducing complexity.
Updates for 6 Internet Information Services (IIS) Extensions
Microsoft has updated six IIS Extensions, including IIS Application Request Routing 2.0, IIS Search Engine Optimization Toolkit, IIS URL Rewriter 2.0, IIS Web Deployment Tool, IIS Database Manager, and IIS Media Services 3.0 RTW, an integrated HTTP-based media delivery platform that combines all IIS media extensions, including IIS Live Smooth Streaming.
The New Efficiency Is Ready When You Are
Attend the New Efficiency virtual event for expert-led sessions and keynotes, demos and special offers around Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft System Center, and Microsoft Forefront. Join in when you want, and dive deeper into technical content for desktops, server, communications, and security.
Midmarket Offer: System Center Essentials 2007 and VMM 2008 Now 37% Off
Integrate your physical and virtual management with Microsoft System Center Essentials 2007 and System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 Workgroup Edition. Get 37% off when purchasing through an Open License with Software Assurance or Open Value Agreement for a limited time.
Enterprise Geocasting, Photosynth, and SharePoint Dashboard with Windows Mobile
The Windows Mobile blog has a cool demonstration of a geocast created using a Windows Mobile phone and the the IncaX LiveMedia GPS application along with Photosynth and SharePoint.
Download Free Visio Partner Products for IT Management (Valued at More Than US$3,000)
Get these Viso partner products for free:
- Codima's autoMonitor (value of US$2000)
- RACKWISE's Data Center Manager OnDemand (value of US$1000)
- SolarWinds' LANsurveyor Express (value of US$499)
Microsoft Office System Webcast: Using Project 2007 to Manage Small IT Projects Quickly and Easily (Level 100)
October 27, 2009, 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
In this webcast, we show you some key tips and tricks to set up small IT project plans and manage the projects using the new tools in Project 2007. We walk you through a proven planning process using project management best practices for planning your scope, timeline (schedule), and costs (resources) in Project 2007.
Evaluate the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 August Community Technology Preview
SQL Server 2008 R2 features new and enhanced tools for application and multi-server management, master data services, complex event processing, and new self-service BI capabilities. This CTP also includes Microsoft SQL Server StreamInsight, Microsoft's new complex event processing technology.
Using Visio 2007 Professional to Network Map with SolarWinds' LANsurveyor Express
October 27, 8:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Part of the Visio 2007 Partner Webcast Series featuring Bluespring, Codima, eVSM, Harvard Computing Group, ProModel, RACKWISE, and SolarWinds.
Microsoft Usability Research Feedback Opportunities for IT Pros
If you use Windows Server or System Center software, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us design better tools and determine what needs to be improved in our software. If you want to learn more about these opportunities or are interested in participating, contact itvisits@microsoft.com.
New Videos for IT Pros
Reducing Desktop Costs Part 3 - Application Virtualization
This final post looks at application virtualization and how this technology will change your view on how to install software onto your clients.
Microsoft VDI Part II: Virtual Desktop Configuration
12 minutes, 42 seconds
In part 2 in a 3-part series focused on the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services, Partner Technology Specialist Matt McSpirit from Microsoft U.K. walks through the virtual desktop configuration.
Featured Downloads
Download Essentials 2010 Beta Trial Software
System Center Essentials 2010 provides IT professionals in mid-sized organizations a unified physical and virtual IT management experience. It enables you to better secure, update, monitor, and troubleshoot from a single console. Register to receive your 180-day evaluation copy.
Upcoming Webcasts
Technical Talks with Tim Vander Kooi - Windows Server 2008 R2
October 13, 2009, 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Join us as we delve deeper into the changes that Windows Server 2008 R2 brings to the server OS and what these changes mean with regard to existing network infrastructure. What current applications and products are affected by making the move to Windows Server 2008?
Thrive Live! Behavioral Interviewing: a Behavioral Answer Is Always the Right Answer
October 21, 2009, 9:00 A.M. Pacific Time
One of the emerging interviewing trends that catch a lot of job applicants by surprise is the behavioral interview question. In this webcast, Randy Guthrie reveals how to prepare for a behavioral interview so that you can confidently answer almost any question you get asked in a way that will set you apart from your competition for a job.